The Hot Tomato Broadcasting Company has announced the appointment of Rob McCasker as Program Director of the Gold Coast’s new FM radio station 102.9.

Hot Tomato CEO Jaan Torv told radioinfo he is “absolutely thrilled to have Rob come aboard. Rob brings major market broadcasting skills to the Gold Coast and he will set a sizzling pace.”

Jaan’s brother Hans, the Managing Director of the radio group expects McCasker will make “sparks fly” in the new station.

Rob McCasker and his partner Raidah will be moving to the Gold Coast in a matter of weeks as he helps prepare the on air launch of the “all digital, state-of-the-art FM station.”

McCasker most recently worked at Austereo’s highly successful FOX-FM in Melbourne filling both programming and on-air roles. His radio career includes on air work in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. In Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne he achieved the coveted Number 1 spot in the ratings.

McCasker told radioinfo: “I can’t wait to get up to the Gold Coast and get started. I am excited about working in a thoroughly professional, fun and creative environment. My partner and I are thrilled to be able to call the Gold Coast home. In a climate of large radio groups and increased Networking – Hot Tomato Broadcasting is a different company and we’ll have a different radio station for the Gold Coast – and the weather’s not too bad either.”

General Manager Graham Miles believes McCasker “will attract a high calibre of employee to our station” and has the skills to “successfully guide the station in the fastest growing market in Australia.”